2017 Gift Giving Guide – Stocking Stuffers

This week’s installment of my 2017 Gift Giving Guide is all about stocking stuffers! I feel like the lonely little stocking gets left out at Christmas sometimes, although, I know lots of people have certain traditions when it comes to them. For me, growing up, we’d open our stockings first while my parents got breakfast ready, before we’d open our gifts. My fiancé’s family tradition is that you draw names, and whoever’s name you pick, you fill that person’s stocking up with a maximum value of $50. My little annual stocking tradition with my fiancé, is to spend $20 at the Dollarama (Canadian dollar store) – this makes things interesting because you have to be crafty and creative.

This is why I thought it was important to include stockings in this year’s Gift Giving Guide. Let’s get into it!

This is the perfect stocking stuffer for the techie in your life. These little gadgets are all the rage right now, and you can find them almost anywhere! I’ve found them at Indigo/Chapters, Winners/Marshalls, and even the Dollarama, all for under $5. You can also order a ton of cool designs and multi-packs off of Amazon for roughly $2 to $10 CAD. At first, I was skeptical about these little things, until I tried the ring-version for myself, and now I can’t get enough! I use it primarily to secure my hand since I have the iPhone 6s Plus, which is obviously huge. It’s also great if you tend to watch videos, because they double as a little stand so you can lay your phone on its side and watch your videos!

This is a great stocking stuffer for the makeup lover in your life. The formula on these is absolutely fantastic, and has amazing staying power. I would compare the formula on these to Kat Von D Liquid Lipsticks, only at a fraction of the cost. This set also includes 2 nude shades that would look good on any skin tone, a classic red, and a beautiful bold berry shade perfect for this time of year, making this a safe and versatile gift. Paired with a few DIY lip scrubs and DIY lip balms, and of course, a few chocolates and candies, your stocking is complete!

For the skincare lover in your life, this is a super cute and inexpensive stocking stuffer, perfect for your mom, mother in law, girlfriend, wife or partner. Both of these products are so luxurious, the recipient will be thankful to try something so lux and pampering. The best part about this gift, is that a little bit goes a long way with these samples, so they should last a decent amount of time before running out. You could totally pair this with other skincare goodies, like toners, makeup removers, cotton rounds (like this lux ones from Shiseido) and Q-tips to make a skincare-themed stocking!

Keeping on the skincare theme, sheet masks make a wonderful stocking stuffer for just about anyone who likes to be pampered. Some of my favourite affordable masks are from SooAe. They’re now available at most Walmarts in Canada, and range in price starting at around $5. Get 3-4 of those, maybe some cute reusable eye “cucumbers” like these ones on Amazon, and you’re set!

I’m a big believer in shopping local or supporting small businesses, like Gummibands, based out of Vancouver, Canada. I did a mini review on them this past Monday, you can find out more information about this brand there (link). These make a great stocking stuffer for anyone with hair (even dudes!), you get 4 in one pack, and they last forever! They don’t tug, tear or pull at your hair, and come in an array of colours. Plus, if you use BONUS17 at checkout, you’ll get an extra 2 free Gummibands for free!

Of course, I didn’t forget about the guys – For the men in my life, they don’t often treat themselves to nice luxurious products, which is why I like to gift them nice sets for the holidays. Jack Black is sold at Sephora and is a luxurious skincare line for men. They have their mini’s starting at $10 CAD. Why not pair their famous lip balm with a mini shave cream and face wash? Pair this with a few tall cans of his favourite beer, and you’ve got the ultimate bro stocking.

That’s it beauties, I hope you found this stocking stuffer gift guide helpful! A good rule of thumb is to remember that stocking stuffers are usually meant to be small and inexpensive, so have fun and be creative!

What are your favourite stocking stuffers to give and receive? Do you have any traditions around this time of year? Let us know in the comments below!